STEM Day at Copdock Primary School
The phrase ‘STEM Day’ is music to our ears. In fact, we wish every day were STEM Day and try hard to make it so.
The value of STEM subjects being taught to children should never be underestimated. Fostering in them an appreciation for STEM helps make learning more fun and can open up a world of possibilities in terms of their future career. We certainly want to help inspire the engineers, software developers and chemists of tomorrow!
Bentley and Copdock Primary Schools in Ipswich held their very own STEM Day on March 31st 2023. They graciously invited us to be a part of the occasion that was sure to be packed with an invigorating blend of challenge and play.
Our Head of Projects and Events Ellie Birkhead headed along to the event alongside John Parnum. Parnum is a retired engineer and long-time inventor who we have recently started to collaborate with on several projects.
Besides tinkering away in his workshop and creating all kinds of mechanical contraptions, he is also an impassioned STEM Ambassador, often bringing his machines into schools to bring learning to life for the children.
“I create my machines using wood, aluminium, plastic, DC motors, batteries, servos, sensors & Arduinos,” Parnum says of his many creations, “they are designed to be not too big so I can take them into schools as a STEM Ambassador to engage & enthuse children. My Lego Sorting Machine, Wheelie Bin Waste Robot, Local Delivery Robot, and Dinosaurs Automata have all proved popular with years 4, 5 and 6.”
Parnum had his Magnificent Marble Run and Lego Sorter in tow on STEM Day, two machines that entertained the children whilst creating intrigue as to the inner workings and processes needed to operate them.
Ellie set the children several interactive challenges. They got stuck in to balloon and propellor-powered car races and glider challenges. They enjoyed a good helping of healthy competition and learned about how different mechanisms and features create movement.
Ellie equally found the day to be immensely valuable. She said: “We felt very privileged to be invited along to Copdock and Bentley’s STEM Day. It was so well organised with a whole array of activities from making balloon powered rockets to batteries from 2p coins. The day was topped off with a live Dragon’s Den event where some very courageous children braved the dragons with their invention ideas. I loved my moment as a dragon and was surprised how easily I slipped into the role! All in all it was a brilliant day and very inspiring to see what schools can do beyond the classroom.”
We are always eager to explore how children can express their creativity beyond the classroom as well as enhance the modes of learning that take place within it. Thank you Copdock and Bentley for allowing us to share in the STEM Day festivities and introduce the children to our education style.
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